A Wrexham high school has marked the end of an era, as a along-serving member of their community leaves to enjoy retirement.

Wendy Bryan has been a part of the administration team at Ysgol Bryn Alyn for 42 years.

In that time she has seen children come and go, worked under nine different headteachers and been involved in many fundraising activities at the school.

Wendy, whose own children came up through the school, said: "I've loved it, every day is different.

"The school has been like a family, once you get into Bryn Alyn, it sucks you in. It's just like an extended family.

"I will miss everybody without a doubt. The atmosphere here, the staff are all so friendly, and the parents too.

"I always said once a former pupil returns as a grand parent, that's it, it's time I'm off. And that happened last year."

What's next for Wendy? She said: "My daughter's moved, I'm going to be helping her two days a week, and I'm going to go on holidays with my husband once we get back to normality.

"It's time to do what we want to do now, enjoy ourselves."

But she isn't quite breaking all ties, as she will return as an exam adjudicator, and there's talk of 'cake Fridays'.

Emma Williams, business manager at the school, has worked with Wendy for a long time.

She said: "I've worked with Wendy for 20 years, and there's not a day goes by where she hasn't made us laugh, she's an institution.

"She's such a happy person. Anyone walking into the office having a bad day, she will turn it round and they'll walk out laughing.

"We're going miss her so much. I've never known the place without her. She's one of my best friends as well as a colleague.

"She's amazing."

Deputy headteacher Johanna Ebrey added: "Wendy has been a stalwart of our reception for staff, pupils, parents and grandparents.

"She has seen thousands of pupils come through our school and become parents and grandparents themselves.

"She is such a huge part of our local community and many people know her, she will be sorely missed."